Boeing investigated after 'Dutch roll'
What specific incident involving a Boeing 737 Max 8 led to a US regulatory investigation?
The specific incident involving a Boeing 737 Max 8 that led to a US regulatory investigation was a "Dutch roll" event that occurred on a Southwest Airlines flight on 25 May. The plane rocked side to side while in air, in a potentially dangerous movement known as a "Dutch roll". The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating this incident.
What is a "Dutch roll" and why is it considered potentially dangerous for aircraft?
A "Dutch roll" is a term used to describe a series of oscillatory movements experienced by an aircraft, involving a combination of rolling and yawing motions. The name originates from a similar movement in a gliding ice skating technique attributed to the Netherlands. This phenomenon can occur naturally in many aircraft, and while it can sometimes be performed intentionally as an aerobatic maneuver, it can also happen accidentally, causing discomfort and potential danger to passengers and crew2.
The Dutch roll occurs when an aircraft rolls in one direction and yaws in the opposite direction. This can be initiated by a disturbance, such as a gust of wind, or by pilot input. In a swept-wing aircraft, the rolling motion causes a sideslip, which then leads to a yawing motion in the opposite direction. As the aircraft yaws, the vertical stabilizer generates a restoring force, causing the nose to return to its original direction. However, the combination of rolling and yawing motions can continue to oscillate, creating an out-of-phase movement that can be difficult to control and may cause passengers to feel uneasy.
The Dutch roll is considered potentially dangerous for aircraft because it can lead to a loss of control if not managed properly. While most modern aircraft are designed to recover from a Dutch roll on their own, or with the help of a yaw damper, the oscillations can cause structural damage to the aircraft if they continue for an extended period. Additionally, if a pilot does not handle the situation correctly, they could inadvertently worsen the Dutch roll, potentially causing the aircraft to stall or enter a dangerous flight condition.
In the context of the news article, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 flight experienced a Dutch roll, leading to an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft regained control and no one on board was injured, but the plane suffered substantial damage. This incident raises concerns about the safety and design of Boeing aircraft, particularly as the company is already under scrutiny for previous safety issues.
How many new inquiries involving Boeing planes has the Federal Aviation Administration recently confirmed?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently confirmed two new inquiries involving Boeing planes. One investigation concerns an incident where a Boeing 737 Max 8 flight operated by Southwest Airlines experienced a "Dutch roll," a potentially dangerous side-to-side movement. The other inquiry is related to Boeing's report of potentially falsified documents used to certify titanium used in its planes.